A venerable old friend
We had the privilege of looking after this German Shepherd again this week. I’ve boarded “Shorty” for some years now, and it’s troubling to see him get old, as dogs do. As we all do.
I groomed Shorty while he was at the Pet Hostel, and he was as patient and gentle as could be; he seemed to enjoy the “spa” treatment. Getting much of his undercoat brushed out must make him feel cooler… many older dogs seem unable to shed out their winter coats effectively.
Off and on while Shorty stayed with us, I sat on the lawn with him and just brushed, brushed, brushed. Occasionally, our dog, “Lady” would come over and greet him, putting her ball beside his great head, or giving him a little dog kiss, which Shorty seemed to enjoy.
I also groomed the matts from a large ginger long haired cat today, and “spruced up” a small dog. I clipped the toenails on a rottweiller cross who didn’t want that done; thank goodness she is sweet tempered.
The rest of the time I dug in the flower beds, trying to wrest out weeds. Some of the quack grass is simply broken off and will come back almost immediately. I’m overwhelmed. This weekend is my annual Perennial Plant sale, and customers who go to look at my flower beds will see how far behind I’ve gotten. I also ordered trees and shrubs, placing my request VERY late, so I don’t know whether that nursery stock will be here in time.
My joints all ache and I’m wondering if I’ll get used to gardening again or not. I sure can’t get done in a day all that I used to.
OH! Yesterday I got the vegetable garden planted. We cut back on quantities and even the selection. Mainly, I stuck to what I can sell at the Farmer’s Markets: potatoes, peas, beans, chard, carrots. I planted very little lettuce because I hate washing it for market, and at any rate, our irony water turns any cut or torn edges black.
Must run along and finish making dinner. Thanks for reading.
~Ann 
